Its ingredients may improve coughs, runny noses, and sore throats.

The warm drink contains hot water,lemon or lemon juice, and honey.

Some recipes also call for alcohol, such as whiskey, rum, or brandy.

A woman holding a warm beverage with lemon

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Honey

Honeyis a proven treatment for coughs.

It also has antimicrobial properties that may fight certain bacteria and viruses to prevent illness.

Hot Water

Drinking hot water may feel soothing when you have a respiratory illness.

Emily Dashiell, ND

A mixture of a hot liquid andsteamhas been found to erase the nasal passages and relieve a sore throat.

In addition to water, other hot drinks that may improve cold symptoms include tea and broth.

However, there is no evidence adding alcohol to your warm drink has any health benefits.

A Word From Verywell

Many people feel comforted with a hot drink when sick.

Can a Hot Toddy Relieve Other Symptoms?

Drinking a hot drink with steam may also reducesneezing, chills, and fatigue.

Research shows that a room-temperature drink may improve a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.

However, it will not flush the nasal passages or improve a sore throat.

First, gather honey, a lemon, and hot water.

To heat the water, bring it to a boil and pour it into a mug.

Stir in a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon.

You may add more flavor to your drink by adding herbs or spices such ascinnamon,peppermint, orginger.

Can You Leave the Alcohol Out?

Yes, you’re able to leave the alcohol out of your hot toddy.

Alcohol is also dehydrating and removes fluid from the body.

When you are sick, it is important to stay hydrated to fight the illness.

Who Should Avoid Drinking a Hot Toddy?

Some people should avoid drinking a hot toddy.

Hot toddies contain honey, which is unsafe for infants under 12 months old.

Infants are at an increased risk ofbotulismfrom honey.

Honey contains harmful bacteria that may lead to serious illness in infants.

A hot toddy may also contain alcohol.

A hot toddy is a warm drink that contains hot water, honey, and lemon.

Each ingredient has improved cold and flu symptoms, including coughing, runny nose, and sore throat.

Some hot toddy recipes contain alcohol, but adding alcohol may impair your bodys ability to fight the infection.

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